Match of the Day Presenters: New 2025 Lineup and Past Hosts
Gary Lineker hung up his Match of the Day mic in 2023 after 24 years as the programme’s face, leaving big shoes to fill. Now the BBC has announced three presenters will share the lead role from 2025, with a familiar football surname in the mix. Here’s everything we know about the new line-up, how they stack up against past hosts, and what the format change means for the iconic Saturday night show.
New presenters announced: January 2025 · Lead presenters: Kelly Cates, Mark Chapman, Gabby Logan · Past icon: Gary Lineker (1999–2023)
Quick snapshot
- Kelly Cates, Mark Chapman and Gabby Logan announced as new hosts in January 2025 (The Late Late Show)
- The trio will share presenting duties on a rotating basis (The Late Late Show)
- Cates and Logan are the first permanent female hosts in MOTD history (The Late Late Show)
- Exact episode rotation schedule among the three presenters
- Whether the three-host format is permanent or a trial arrangement
- Viewership impact and audience reception data since the change
- Deal finalized before Christmas 2024 (The Late Late Show)
- Official announcement: January 2025 (The Late Late Show)
- New format begins after 2024–2025 season ends (summer 2025) (The Late Late Show)
- Cates continues at Sky Sports while hosting MOTD (The Late Late Show)
- Cates appeared on The Late Late Show (August 15, 2025) to discuss the role (The Late Late Show)
- All three presenters at life stage where children are growing up, allowing flexibility (The Late Late Show)
Six decades of Match of the Day history distilled into key milestones and current transitions.
| Milestone | Detail |
|---|---|
| Show launch | 1964 |
| Longest serving recent | Mark Chapman (2014–) |
| New trio start | 2025 season |
| Kelly Cates background | Daughter of Kenny Dalglish |
| Format change | Three-presenter rotating |
| Historic first | Kelly Cates and Gabby Logan: first permanent female hosts |
Who are the new presenters of Match of the Day?
The BBC announced in January 2025 that Kelly Cates, Mark Chapman, and Gabby Logan would take over as Match of the Day’s lead presenters. The trio will share presenting duties on a rotating basis, marking a significant shift from the single-host format that defined the programme for decades.
Kelly Cates
Kelly Cates is the daughter of Liverpool legend Kenny Dalglish, and brings extensive sports broadcasting experience from her work at Sky Sports. She learned of the MOTD role in late 2024, with the deal finalized before Christmas. Cates kept the appointment secret until the official announcement, even from her father — who initially requested not to be told to avoid spoiling the surprise. She continues her Sky Sports commitments while hosting Match of the Day.
Kelly Cates described the opportunity as “incredible” on The Late Late Show, adding that having the first permanent female hosts is “so exciting.” Her dual role at Sky Sports and MOTD sets her apart from traditional programme hosts.
Mark Chapman
Mark Chapman has been a Match of the Day presenter since 2014, making him the longest-serving current host. As part of the new trio arrangement, he remains a central figure in the rotating format.
Gabby Logan
Gabby Logan joined the MOTD presenting team alongside Kelly Cates as the first permanent female hosts in the programme’s history. Female presenters had previously filled in on Match of the Day before these 2025 permanent appointments.
Who are the MOTD presenters?
The current Match of the Day presenter line-up centres on the three announced in January 2025, with each bringing distinct experience to the role. The new arrangement represents the first time the programme has operated with a permanent multi-host rotating format.
Match of the Day is described as an “iconic programme” in British television, and the transition to three hosts sharing duties reflects a broader shift in how flagship sports programming approaches presentation.
Current lineup
Mark Chapman (lead since 2014), Gabby Logan (first permanent female host from 2025), and Kelly Cates (new appointment 2025) form the core presenting team.
Roles and tenure
Each presenter operates on a rotating schedule, allowing flexibility to balance family and professional interests. Kelly Cates noted on The Late Late Show that all three hosts are “at a stage where our kids are growing up” and can dedicate more time to the role.
Is Kelly Cates Kenny Dalglish’s daughter?
Yes, Kelly Cates is the daughter of Kenny Dalglish, the legendary Liverpool and Scotland footballer. Her father initially requested not to be told about her Match of the Day appointment to keep the secret from spoiling. Kenny Dalglish is widely regarded as one of football’s greatest figures, having won numerous league titles and cups with Liverpool.
Family background
Kelly Cates’ football connections run deep through her family, though she has maintained professional neutrality in her broadcasting career. Her father’s legendary status in the sport adds a distinctive layer to her MOTD appointment.
Career highlights
Before joining Match of the Day, Cates built her broadcasting career primarily at Sky Sports, covering football and other sports. She appeared on The Late Late Show on August 15, 2025, to discuss her new role publicly.
Who are past Match of the Day presenters?
Match of the Day has been hosted by some of British television’s most recognisable faces since its launch in 1964. Kenneth Wolstenholme was the programme’s first presenter, establishing many of the conventions that define MOTD to this day.
1990s era
The 1990s are considered a golden era for Match of the Day, with Des Lynam becoming one of British television’s most trusted personalities. His calm, authoritative presenting style set the standard for sports presentation in the UK.
Gary Lineker years
Gary Lineker took over as MOTD presenter in 1999 and held the role until 2023 — a 24-year tenure that made him synonymous with the programme. His transition from striker to broadcaster brought genuine football insight to the role. Lineker’s departure created the vacancy that led to the current three-presenter arrangement.
Early hosts
David Coleman and Kenneth Wolstenholme established Match of the Day as a fixture of Saturday night television in its earliest years, building the audience that later presenters would inherit.
For decades, MOTD’s identity was tied to a single presenter. The programme now operates with three permanent hosts — and two of them are women making history in the role.
Who does Kelly Cates support?
Kelly Cates maintains professional neutrality in her broadcasting role, though her family connections to Liverpool inevitably generate interest. Her father Kenny Dalglish’s association with Liverpool means her childhood involved close proximity to one of football’s most storied clubs.
Team allegiance
As a professional broadcaster, Cates sets aside personal allegiances when covering the game. However, her family background inevitably shapes perceptions of her coverage among viewers.
Personal life
Cates’ family was kept in the dark about her MOTD appointment until close to the announcement, with Kenny Dalglish going to lengths to avoid learning the news prematurely. The family celebrated the announcement with a dinner together.
Timeline
Four decades of hosting changes and format shifts that shaped Match of the Day.
| Period | Event |
|---|---|
| 1964 | Kenneth Wolstenholme becomes first MOTD presenter |
| 1990s | Des Lynam golden era |
| 1999–2023 | Gary Lineker hosts for 24 years |
| Late 2024 | Kelly Cates learns of MOTD role; deal finalized before Christmas |
| January 2025 | BBC announces Kelly Cates, Mark Chapman, Gabby Logan as new presenters |
| Summer 2025 | Shared lead presentation begins after 2024–2025 season concludes |
| August 15, 2025 | Kelly Cates appears on The Late Late Show to discuss role |
Clarity on what we know and what we don’t
Confirmed
- New presenters: Kelly Cates, Mark Chapman, Gabby Logan announced January 2025 (The Late Late Show)
- Current hosts: Chapman, Logan, Cates per BBC announcement
- Rotating three-presenter format confirmed
- Kelly Cates and Gabby Logan are first permanent female MOTD hosts
- Cates continues at Sky Sports alongside MOTD role
- Kelly Cates learned of role in late 2024, deal finalized before Christmas 2024
- Kelly Cates is daughter of Kenny Dalglish
Unclear
- Exact episode rotation among three presenters
- Whether format is permanent or trial
- Viewership impact data
- Kelly Cates personal life updates beyond family
- Long-term contractual details
What the presenters say
It’s just incredible. The fact that you’re even having the conversation is just so exciting.
Kelly Cates, Match of the Day host, The Late Late Show
Gabby and I are going to be the first permanent female host of Match of the Day.
Kelly Cates, Match of the Day host, The Late Late Show
For all three of us it’s really lovely we’re at a stage where our kids are growing up that you know we’re going to get a little bit more time on our hands.
Kelly Cates, Match of the Day host, The Late Late Show
Summary
Match of the Day’s transition to a three-presenter rotating format represents the most significant structural change in the programme’s history. For British football viewers, the shift from Gary Lineker’s solitary 24-year tenure to a trio that includes the first permanent female hosts in MOTD history marks a generational change. Whether the format strengthens the programme’s appeal or dilutes its identity will depend on execution — but the BBC’s bet is clear: spread the presenting load, broaden the voice.
Related reading: Kelly Cates · Premier League games
The 2025 hosts like Kelly Cates and Mark Chapman continue the tradition from Lineker’s era, with comprehensive schedule and presenters details outlining viewing options.
Frequently asked questions
Who are the three new presenters of Match of the Day?
Kelly Cates, Mark Chapman, and Gabby Logan were announced as the new Match of the Day presenters in January 2025. They will share presenting duties on a rotating basis.
Is Kelly Cates back with her husband?
The research available does not include information about Kelly Cates’ marital status or personal relationships.
Why is Carol Kirkwood leaving the BBC?
Carol Kirkwood is a BBC weather presenter, not a Match of the Day presenter. Her departure from the BBC is a separate matter not covered in this article’s focus on MOTD hosting changes.
Who was Match of the Day presenter in the 1990s?
Des Lynam became one of the programme’s most recognisable presenters during the 1990s, establishing what many consider the golden era of MOTD presentation.
Where are Match of the Day presenters now?
The current MOTD presenters — Kelly Cates, Mark Chapman, and Gabby Logan — continue in their roles as of the 2025 season. Past presenters like Gary Lineker remain active in broadcasting, including his work with the BBC on other football coverage.
What is Kelly Cates net worth?
Specific financial information about Kelly Cates’ net worth is not included in available research sources.
Did Kenny Dalglish go to every funeral?
This question relates to Kenny Dalglish’s personal history and is not addressed in the research available about Match of the Day presenter changes.
More related posts
L’Oreal Eye Bag Eraser Review: Effectiveness, Usage & Results
Talk Talk Customer Service – Official Numbers and Hours
Aldi Heated Clothes Airer: Price, Review & Running Costs
Aimee Fuller: Biography, Snowboarding Career, and Katya Jones
24 Hours in Police Custody Episodes: Seasons & Streaming Guide
British Gas Business Login: Official Guide & Access
Silk Road: Ancient Trade Network and Darknet Market Explained
